Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy? Is Boiled Better? (2024)

  • Fried Rice Nutrition
    • Calories and nutrients in fried rice
  • Boiled Rice Nutrition
    • Boiled rice calories and nutrition
  • Fried vs Boiled Rice
    • Difference between fried and boiled rice
  • Quick Healthy Recipe
    • Quick and healthy fried rice recipe
  • Cooking and Serving
    • Cooking and serving boiled rice
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Calories and nutrients in fried rice

Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy? Is Boiled Better? (1)

Rice dishes come in two forms: fried rice and boiled rice. Fried rice is not a nutritionally balanced meal on its own, and you should enjoy it in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Rice dishes come in two forms: fried rice and boiled rice.While both can be delicious and satisfying, there are some key differences between fried rice calories and boiled rice calories, as well as their effects on health.

Read on to learn more about fried rice calories and whether boiled rice is healthier.

One cup of plain fried rice prepared with white rice, vegetable oil, and no additional ingredients contains about:

  • 242 calories
  • 8 grams of fat
  • 41 grams of carbohydrates
  • 706 milligrams of sodium, nearly a third of the recommended daily intake for adults

The nutritional value of fried rice varies further depending on the type of ingredients and the way they are prepared. For example, the nutritional profile of fried rice made from brown rice, chicken, and vegetables will be different from fried rice made from white rice, shrimp, and eggs.

Fried rice is not a nutritionally balanced meal on its own, and you should enjoy it in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet. Adding a variety of vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains can help to improve the nutritional value of fried rice.

Boiled rice calories and nutrition

Boiled rice is a staple food for many people and is a good source of energy and nutrients. One cup of cooked white rice contains about 242 calories, while brown rice contains about 218 calories per cup. Rice is primarily composed of carbohydrates, with a small amount of protein and almost no fat.

The main type of carbohydrate in rice is starch, which is a complex carbohydrate that provides a slow and steady supply of energy. White rice is a relatively good source of thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6, but it is not a significant source of other vitamins or minerals.In terms of nutrients, brown rice is slightly higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice.

While rice is a good source of energy, it is not a particularly rich source of other nutrients on its own. It is often eaten with other foods, such as vegetables or meat, which can help to provide a more balanced and nutritious meal. Rice can also be enriched with additional nutrients, such as iron and folic acid, to make it more nutritious.

In general, eating a variety of foods is essential to ensuring that you get all of the nutrients your body needs. While boiled rice can be a part of a healthy diet, it should not be your only source of nutrition. It is important to eat a variety of grains, as well as fruits, vegetables, and other sources of protein and nutrients.

Difference between fried and boiled rice

Fried rice and boiled rice are both popular types of rice dishes that are enjoyed by people all around the world. While both can be delicious and satisfying, there are some critical differences between them in terms of their preparation, ingredients, and nutritional value.

Fried rice is a dish made by frying cooked rice with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, seafood, and eggs. It is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines and is often served as a side dish or main course. The frying process and additional ingredients used in fried rice contribute to its higher calorie, fat, and sodium content than boiled rice.

Boiled rice, on the other hand, is rice that is cooked in hot water, usually separately from other ingredients. It is a staple food in many cultures and is often served as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes, such as stews and soups. Boiled rice is generally lower in calories, fat, and sodium than fried rice.

In terms of taste and texture, fried rice and boiled rice can also differ.The frying process gives fried rice a crisp, chewy texture, while boiled rice tends to be fluffy and softer. Fried rice may also have a stronger flavor due to the additional ingredients used in the frying process, such as soy sauce and other condiments.

In terms of nutrition and preference, fried or boiled rice is a matter of personal preference. You can enjoy both as part of a varied and balanced diet, but it is essential to be mindful of portion sizes and to choose healthier ingredients whenever possible.

Quick and healthy fried rice recipe

You can make a healthier bowl of fried rice by using brown rice instead of white rice, as brown rice is a whole grain that is higher in nutrients and fiber than white rice. To make a healthier fried rice:

  1. Cook the brown rice as directed on the package.
  2. Heat your vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers, in a pan with vegetable oil.
  3. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender.
  4. Add the cooked brown rice and a protein such as scrambled tofu or cooked shrimp.
  5. Stir-fry everything together until it is heated through.
  6. To make the fried rice taste richer, you can season it with soy sauce, sesame oil, or any other spices you like.

Enjoy your healthy fried rice as a side dish or a main course.

QUESTION According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

Cooking and serving boiled rice

Boiled rice is a simple and versatile staple that can be enjoyed as a side dish or used as a base for a variety of dishes. To make boiled rice:

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water to remove any excess starch.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice. If you use white rice, the cooking time will be about 12-15 minutes; for brown rice, the cooking time will be about 45 minutes.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, drain off any excess water and fluff the rice with a fork.
  4. Serve the boiled rice as is, or use it in a stir-fry, curry, or grain bowl.

You can also add flavor to the boiled rice by cooking it in broth or coconut milk instead of water. Experiment with different types of rice, such as basmati, jasmine, or wild, to find your favorite.

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Medically Reviewed on 2/13/2023

References

SOURCES:

American Heart Association: "How much sodium should I eat per day?"

Geneva: World Health Organization: "Guideline: Fortification of Rice with Vitamins and Minerals as a Public Health Strategy."

Help Guide: "Healthy Fast Food."

My Plate: "What is MyPlate."

University of New Hampshire: "Vegetable Fried Rice:Ingredients and Nutritional Information."

University of Pittsburgh Medicine: "Quinoa vs. Rice: Which Food Has More Nutritional Value?"

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Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy? Is Boiled Better? (2024)

FAQs

Which is healthier, fried rice or boiled rice? ›

Boiled rice is generally lower in calories, fat, and sodium than fried rice. In terms of taste and texture, fried rice and boiled rice can also differ. The frying process gives fried rice a crisp, chewy texture, while boiled rice tends to be fluffy and softer.

Is fried rice healthy or unhealthy? ›

Traditional fried rice, as commonly prepared, may not be considered the healthiest option due to its high calorie and sodium content. This is primarily because it is often cooked with a generous amount of oil and can include high-sodium sauces like soy sauce or oyster sauce.

Does boiling rice increase calories? ›

The caloric density lowers because the rice has absorbed water during the cooking process and so it's total mass increases.

Is boiled rice from the Chinese healthy? ›

Steamed or boiled rice is healthier for many reasons, not least because noodles tend to be cooked in sauce. Fried rice will also often contain soy sauce or other flavour enhancers, so treat with caution.

What is the healthiest Chinese food takeout? ›

Steamed Fish and Vegetables

Takeout menus tend to offer a mild-tasting variety of protein-rich white fish, such as sole, and it's paired with mixed vegetables. The veggies add fiber, a key nutrient for digestion and heart health. If you have the chance to choose or add Chinese eggplant as a veggie, go for it.

Does rice lose nutrients when boiled? ›

Excess water cooking reduces average inorganic As by 40% from long grain polished, 60% from parboiled and 50% from brown rice. Iron, folate, niacin and thiamin are reduced by 50-70% for enriched polished and parboiled rice, but significantly less so for brown rice, which is not enriched.

Can I eat fried rice during weight loss? ›

Generally, fried white rice will not help you lose weight, especially the calorie-filled, soy sauce covered take-out varieties! However, if you're eating a dish similar to our recipe, it's much lower in calories and fat with a decent amount of filling fiber, helping you eat less food during the day.

How fattening is Chinese fried rice? ›

There are 238 calories in a 1 cup (137.000g) serving size of Restaurant, Chinese, fried rice, without meat. The calorie breakdown is 15% fat, 75% carbs, and 9% protein.

Is boiled rice fattening? ›

White rice—in and of itself—does not have a unique ability to promote weight gain. That being said, an excess of calories from any food—rice included—will lead to weight gain. Diets high in whole grains (think brown rice) have shown to aid weight loss and help maintain a healthy body weight.

What is the disadvantage of eating boiled rice? ›

May Contain High Levels of Arsenic

The rice plant accumulates more arsenic than most other food crops. This becomes a problem where soil or water sources are contaminated with arsenic. High intake of arsenic is associated with an increased risk of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What happens if I eat boiled rice everyday? ›

You'll Get an Energy Boost

"Rice is a healthy, nutrient-dense grain that's an excellent source of carbohydrates, which is one of the three major macronutrients we need to consume daily," Ehsani says, pointing to fat and protein as the other parts of the powerful trio. That's right: Your body needs carbs to survive.

What is the healthiest way to cook rice? ›

By testing out 38 different kinds of rice and simulating human digestion in a test tube, they devised a recipe for the least caloric way to cook rice: drop a teaspoon of coconut oil into boiling water, then add half a cup of non-fortified white rice and cook it for about 40 minutes.

What is the healthiest Chinese rice to eat? ›

Two other varieties of rice are worth mentioning in the healthiest category. First, black rice — also known as forbidden rice — is a whole grain rice with Chinese origins. Its black color comes from anthocyanins (inflammation-fighting antioxidants) within the rice.

Is it safe to eat rice from China? ›

However, in China, rice is also a source of exposure to toxic elements, such as cadmium (Cd), inorganic arsenic (i-As), and mercury (Hg) due to environmental contamination of fields and crops (15, 16).

Why do Chinese eat white rice instead of brown? ›

Milling and polishing brown rice removes most vitamins and minerals. Although these can be added back to white rice, milling strips away most of its fiber, which helps deter diabetes by slowing the rush of sugar (glucose) into the bloodstream.

What type of rice is healthiest? ›

Brown rice also is richer in nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins compared with white rice, Nies said. When comparing calories per cup of cooked rice, brown is slightly higher at 248 calories versus 205 for white.

What's the healthiest Chinese takeaway food? ›

Chinese
  • Try to avoid: sweet and sour battered pork balls with special or egg fried rice, prawn toast, spring rolls.
  • Healthier options: crab and corn soup, steamed dumplings, steamed vegetables and plain boiled rice, steamed fish, chicken chop suey, Szechuan prawns.

What is the healthiest takeout? ›

Some healthy takeout options include vegetable dishes and baked or steamed foods instead of fried ones. 1 Every restaurant and cuisine is different, but you generally want to make sure your takeout includes some produce and has minimal dressings and sauces.

Which is better for you, fried or steamed rice? ›

Steaming rice is one of the healthier ways to cook this food because this prevents the loss of water-soluble nutrients into the cooking water and doesn't require any added fat. Steamed rice is a healthier alternative to fried rice, especially if you choose steamed brown rice instead of white.

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